Let me start this review by saying how rare it is to see a cover for a comic book that actually depicts something that happens within its pages. I can’t remember the last time I’ve seen that happen; it’s refreshing to see. Good job on that Superman #31
As much of a fan of this ‘Doomed’ arc as I am, I feel that not enough people are getting the story because of how broken up it is over several books. I know this is par for the course, but it would be nice to have a contained arc in the space of one, maybe two books.
One thing that I will give the book credit for is in its inventive use of the recap page. We get a quick summary of events laid out in the guise of a Daily Planet front-page article. Sure, its been done before, but it’s always nice to see them mix things up.
Unfortunately, nothing much really happens. For all the pomp and circumstance associated with Superman’s continuing transformation we don’t get much in the way development. This firmly feels like a filler story more than anything.
We see our heroes looking to solve the Superman situation, but in reality they just sort of stand around and say things we already know. Even the cool cameo from the Teen Titans (another needless crossover) is tempered with Beast Boy talking like an idiot.
#Dumb
The biggest problem that the book faces comes in the form of Lois Lane. If you haven’t been reading every single Superman book you are going to have a serious “WTF” moment when you see her become/channel some sort of Brainiac thing. It’s a jarring couple of scenes that does nothing but confuse the reader and adds nothing to the ongoing “Doomed” storyline.
Scott Lobdell does a good job handling Superman from a writing point-of-view. Superman himself says very little, Lobdell choosing to dialogue internally as if speaking directly to the reader. It’s a good choice and offers us the only real character development that the book offers.
Art duties are handled by Ed Benes and Jack Herbert, and for the most part everything works well. Both artists do commendable work on the book, the only real nit-pick is that you can clearly tell (or at least I could) when pages changed hands between the two. I know it’s not easy with deadlines and schedules on a book to have a single artist, but I always prefer it. No matter how good each artist is, their personal style will show through. In this issue you’ll really be able to notice a change between the costume work. One artist clearly favors the more armored look that the New 52 has set forth, while the other favors a more old-school fabric styling. Both are fine, but would be better suited in a single book.
If you need your “Doomed” fix then pick this one up, but if you choose to skip it, know that you won’t be missing anything important.
Superman #31
Written by: Scott Lobdell
Art by: Ed Benes
On Sale Date: May 28 2014
About Author
